Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (4th left) attends the 21st ASEAN-China Summit (Photo: chinhphu.vn)

During the 21^st ASEAN-China Summit in Singapore on Wednesday, both sides reiterated the importance of strategic partnership between the ASEAN and China for regional peace, security and stability. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang agreed to strengthen trade and investment ties towards a two-way turnover of 1 trillion USD and FDI of 150 billion USD by 2020. He said China support the ASEAN in the finalization of a Code of Conduct for the East Sea in the next 3 years. Speaking in the event, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc agreed that the ASEAN and China should promote dialogues, build trust, and uphold international law. Regarding the East Sea issue, the ASEAN and China should promote dialogues and respect common standards, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and not complicating the issue further while not engaging in militarization and respecting the DOC towards a practical and efficient COC.   

At the 20^th ASEAN-Republic of Korea Summit, leaders agreed to increase bilateral trade to 200 billion USD by 2020, boost cooperation in all areas, and organize the Commemorative Summit to mark the 30^th anniversary of ASEAN-Republic of Korea ties next year. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc voiced Vietnam’s support for the Republic of Korea’s New Southern Policy on strengthening relations with ASEAN. 

Earlier during an unofficial session between the ASEAN and Australia, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc called for its support in the ASEAN views and principles to build trust and dialogues for peace, security and stability in the East Sea.